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More about headshots

Actors Headshots in Hackney

Daylight actors headshots are becoming more popular to the point that some Agents actually specify that they want to see a “daylight headshot”.

While this an essential part of an actors portfolio of headshots it’s is not a reason to have the whole of your photos taken outside. Outdoor shoots do have limitations and some posssible negative aspects too. Often you see headshots taken in front of a tree or a bush for example. This can lead to a background that is busy and distracting especially during harsh sunlight conditions.remember, anything that distracts from the focus on the face is taking the eye of the viewer away from the main point of the photo – your face.

There is another problem that can occur when the eyes (the most importsnt part of an actors headshot) disappear into deep dark shadowy holes. Many actors aren’t aware of these issues and they are often not pointed out to them by their headshot photographer (who often aren’t aware of them tthemselves!).

A daylight actors headshot is a great tool as part of your headshot marketing kit. Make sure yours is working well for you.

Read more about daylight actors headshots here

– Daylight Actors Headshots in Hackney

Another question could be ‘does your headshot look as though it’s been computer generated or as though your skin has an unnatural look to it?

Many actors headshot photographers make the mistake of over-retouching headshots. They often produce beautiful photographs with smooth skin that appears almost glass like, yet these heavily retouched headshots are often unsuitable for an actor. They often lack the detail that gives an actor’s face character, the character that shows the viewer who that person is, and most importantly how that actor can express themselves.

How many of us have skin without blemishes, without different tones or a face without movement - that’s right none of us. Over and over again we hear Casting Directors and actors Agents stress the fact that a headshot should look like the person. Does a headshot with computer generated skin actually look like them?
I think retouching is an important skill for a headshot photographer but I think it’s crucial we enhance natural features rather than obliterate them. The other question I always ask myself when I see actors headshot where the skin looks plastic and unatural is “does this actors headshot actually help them get auditions or will it in fact restrict them?”

After all, the main focus of a headshot session is to produce a set of photographs that help an actor to get noticed by Casting Directors and Agents. What happens then if they then take note of the headshot for the wrong reason, because it is so obviously retouched. Does this leave a lasting positive impression or possibly impact negatively?. We have all heard the saying ‘you only have one chance to make a first impression’. Lets make sure that it’s a great first impression.

A deliberate example of too much retouching leaving the skin unatural and plastic looking

– What Is A Plastic Headshot?

What is a headshot session and what does it include is a question I’m asked by many actors looking to find a good headshot photographer.

How many shots do I get?
Can I change my outfit?
Do I need hair and make up artists?
Will you do any retouching/airbrushing?

Here’s a selection of the kind of shots I take in a ‘normal session’ although I think it’s incredibly imporatnt to tailor each and every session to the individual’s needs depending upon, age, castability and several other factors including the needs of their Agent etc. A headshot session is collaboration, I have the neccessary photographic skills, an actors has ideas and often an Agent has specific needs in terms of a headshot to market their client in a particular way. Part of the fun of shooting actors headshots is discovering this dynamic, then working together to produce a seriess of headshots that everyone is happy with but most importantly the actor is confident will help them to get into more auditions.

Although shooting headshots is fun it also comes with a huge responsibility and this is something that has to be understood at all times. A great headshot can have a fantstic effect on an actors career but conversely so can a bad headshot – missing opportunities, missing auditions etc.

ACTORS HEADSHOTS BY NICK GREGAN

– Andrea Nodroun Headshot Session

An up to date headshot is crucial, but it’s also why ‘character specific headshots‘ are becoming more important in todays casting marketplace. Presenting your headshot to the casting director in the right role they have in mind gives you much more of a chance to actually get to the audition, once you’re there you then have a chance to show off your talent. The first hurdle is getting to the audition. Succeeding at a casting and ultimately getting the gig often has less to do with your talent as an actor and often as much about ‘fitting the role’.

Most actors have at some time or another suffered from the same delusion, they think that if they just go in and wow the casting director with their acting ability they won’t be able to resist your talents. I hate to be the voice of reality but this rarely happens. Casting is about finding the right type of actor to fit the part. That means it’s more than just acting ability, they are looking for physical type, personality, chemistry between you and another actor, the expectations of the target audience and so many other factors. Sometimes it’s about demographics, finding the right person to fit a particular age or ethnic category. This is especially true with commercials. The casting directors book actors who perfectly fit the role far more than those who did a perfect read.

Here you can see Tiffany showing three distinct character types.

– Why Use a Character Headshot?

Well here it is the Korean crazy sweeping the planet, what does a headshot photographer in London have to do with gangnam style I hear you ask, well it looks like I’m off to Seoul very soon so I thought I’d better check out the culture, maybe I’ll even try the dance. Yee Haa !!

– Learn ‘Gangnam Style’ With Psy & Brittany Spears

Here’s the whole sentence; If you are using a bad headshot who is responsible for that, is it the headshot photographer or is it you?

There’s two scenarios to think about here:
1) Was it your choice of which headshot to use and do you know what a good headshot is?
2) Did your headshot photographer do a poor job of photographing you?

There’s many actors especially one’s just starting their career who are not really sure what a great headshot is. Often when I am shooting newbies in the studio they simply don’t know what is or isn’t a great photo of them. Sometimes they miss the point – it’s about ‘will this photo get me noticed, will it get me work?’ if not then it’s of no use. This is the fundamental reason and job of an actors headshot.
Unfortunately this takes some time to understand and can be influenced by family, friends and even your partner as each of these people in your life have their own view of you which is not necessarily the image you want to portray as a performer. Here’s a great resource to help you learn the fundamentals of The 7 Srecrets Of A Great Headshot

This is why it’s crucial when you choose your headshot photographer that you research their work, their experience and their reputation within the industry. Anyone with several years experience and contacts with the big agencies will understand fully the many elements that go into making a great headshot and more importantly how to help you express yourself and deliver a photo with personality that stands out from the crowd.

It’s not about fancy, moody, shadowy lighting, it’s not about props, it’s not about the location whether it’s in a studio or out doors – they are all distractions and take the eye of the viewer away from the most important part of the photograph – you. A great headshot is not a simple photograph it has to convey so much more in a very short time and it has to grab the attention of the viewer straight away. One of the essential parts to succeeding with your photography session is the relationship you have with your headshot photographer, you must believe in them and their ability , you need to have some sort of connection or understanding with them. It’s not necessarily about having fun but that plays a big part in the relationship and ultimately the final outcome.

– Is The Headshot Photographer Responsible?

More about headshots

Actors Headshots in Hackney

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